In lieu of buying coupons and wandering around Niagara Square today, I opted to just spend the same amount right at Fat Bob's to get it fresh instead of from under some warming lamp/torch. It's a little antisocial I know, but the taste doesn't seem to do it for me anymore. I know it's only part of the experience, but something about it just doesn't do it for me. I'm saving myself for the canal fest funnel cake and lemonade I guess.

Had an odd experience at the zoo. The ex bought a member card. I've used it with the kids a few times without fail. Today, the rep started checking the last name and the address and refused entrance since my first name didn't appear on the card. My driver's license still has the house address so you'd figure she would do 2+2, but no. "We want you pay admission ." I already did jerkass!

Did the Canal Concert last night (well, part of it) from the other side of the Canal last nght and it was pretty cool. I remember seeing the Psychedlic Furs at a bar in South Buffalo when Pretty in Pink came out the first time. I think I've aged better, but what the hey, you couldn't beat the price.

It's a quiet night and that is okay. I've been on solo duty all weekend. The Ex was gone, her parents were in Detroit, mine are in VA for a show opening. Twas me and the youngins all weekend. Was cool, but I had the thought that if I collapsed at all, kids would have no one to call. Weird the things you think about sometimes. Made me feel like I need a trip to compensate for all the field trip facilitating I've been doing.

IF I had any money or benefit time, a toronto sojurn at the least may have to happen.

My daughter tanked her Chemistry final, not intentionally. Part of me did want to give a 1000 lashes but she did pretty well in reversing a trend only to get sniped by the Regents final. Any Tutors out there? The fun part is dealing with the City Honors bureaucracy. They reminded me three times that registration for classes in summer is over now. I responded as only a parent could. I lied and said I was away (in reality, her mom couldn't bear to open the envelope). They asked that I come over Monday and meet with Guidance and the deed will get done.

One test can change entire dysfunctional family's summer. We were talking to her about it and I swear I could my lovely middle child checking to see if a beating was gonna happen. Much to her disappointment, her sister was all too aware so we didn't pile on, just made a plan to "Git her done" and pass the bastard.

Never thought Chemistry would be dogging me so long after having taken it.

Wet day yesterday, but I didn't really mind. Fireworks in Niagara Falls are going to go off on Friday and I might drag my guys up for that. Nice not to have cope with work yesterday.Got my other bike working and made repairs to the youngins as well.

Amazing how we all needed to do laundry yesterday. My building had a waiting line so I ventured to the Auburn/Elmwood mat and got it done in no time.

I enchewed fireworks and watched Die Hard with a Vengence on cable. (e:theecarey) was right. Excellent dumb fun.

I've liked my schedule of late. I worked last monday, took 3 days off, worked friday, two days off, worked two day, got tomorrow off. You'd think with all those breathers you;d be refreshed and at your best, but here I am trying to find some rhythym[. Good thing my tuckus has been booted to our Amherst office, fresh start on Thursday.

Had an encounter that makes me think I am overestimating possibilities. I had been out a few times last summer with a woman and we seemed to hit it off. She had a plausibly impossible schedule during school. We kept in some touch and made tenative plans to make the trek up to Artpark for a free concert. She emailed me back saying she needs to drive with somebody so we should meet there and there will be some folks she wants to see and am I cool with her being a social butterfly?

It's hard to know where you stand in situations like that. Are we on a date or am I just another in a unknown circle of friends? It is probably the latter, but I was charmed in how she saw the world that I was a litle too encorcelled with the idea of seeing a little bit of it with her, but that shall not pass.

Single beat will keep on thumpin....

In other news, I'm a little bugged about President Bush commuting the sentence of Scooter Libby. I'm actually more bugged that there exists a man in his fifties who willingly calls himself Scooter. On one hand, Bush is the President and that office can do that. On the other hand, some criminalities did occur. Is this the first White House to cover up unsavory legalities? Hell, no. The whole thing will keep all the pundits off the street I guess.

Guessin the Sabres won't be quite such a big deal next season with their two big names playing elsewhere. If you were sick of them in May this year, I suspect you won't have the same problem next year. The free agents that are left won't have the impact on the team. Upshot is the gossip is that the Sabres aren't a fun group to work for. I'd like to try it sometime, however.

Speaking once again of work, I got a "resume update" for a communications opening I applied for. About 30 seconds on receipt, I got a digital rejection letter. Guess no more updates are forthcoming.

Got out for my first bike ride of the season the other day and did a few nerve hardening laps on Elmwood between Forest and Allen. About the time I found my comfort zone, my thighs gently pointed out how old they are. Before they screamed, I stopped.

I miss (e:joshua) 's beer reviews, but allow me to pass along this tip. Next time are coming back across the border, stop by the duty free in Ft Erie and pick up a twelve pack of Sleeman's Original Draught, it is toe-curling good.

Before the voices in my head form a choir, I'll let that be the last word.

Have a good 4th, everybody

I think my tortoise like boss is going to be the death of me. My immediate sup needed me for something yesterday but got overruled by her turtleship. She wanted me to head to another office for a day of putting out fires. Which would have been fine had she bothered to pick up a damned phone. Wound up spending a lengthy time in the car because neither of these two balloonheads can pick up a phone.

Speaking of phones, a customer had an iphone. I want one, but not bad enough to justify the price tag or moving to AT&T.

Had orientation night for my gig with the Bills. You sit and watch a bunch of videos and you're pronounced ready for the year. Got to love a session where they pay you and feed you. Who would have thought the Buffalo Bills could crank out cookies worth pocketing?

Dealing with poison ivy for the first time ever. Almost gone but I'm having a good time working a little guilt from my parents. I got it there chasing down a few well swatted baseballs at dusk and didn't see a plant that they didn't see.

Glad Thursday in the Square was cool according to (e:theecarey). I like Joan Osborne, but had to pass as I was juggling domestic responsibilities. But another sign of my years is that my daughter and some of her cheerleading buddies went instead. I had three coupons left from the Violent Femmes so I was able to hook her up. Who's the cool Dad? That's right!

Spent the middle of the week just hanging with my guys and avoiding work, both of which are always rewarding times.

Giggled watching Michael Chertoff try to explain himself at the Peace Bridge and how further bureaucracy will keep us safe. Immigration and safety are two separate issues and the borders with Canada and Mexico should be treated as two separate issues. The potential policy would stop the easily stopped smuggler attempts and I'm pretty confident that Ft. Erie is not going to attack. It's like that line that George Carlin offered about airport security: "It isn't any safer, it's the illusion of safety for the benefit of nervous white people." Not gonna accomplish a thing as borders can still be flown over. Only thing passports at the Peace Bridge will accomplish will be long lines and the end of the casual beer and Aero Bar run....

Speaking of which, gotta go.